Have you ever imagined that perfect song that plays when you walk into the party? It’s gotta make a statement. Starting right now, the night is turning up to 11. I can guarantee you that the perfect song for that moment is “Go to Work,” the first song on Bo Blitz’s new album Aries. 

Hailing from San Francisco, Blitz is a master of the short record. At just 21 minutes, Aries doesn’t feel lacking at all. Blitz takes advantage of every second, packing each song full of clever rhymes, memorable beats, and joie de vivre. It’s a record full of moments. And Blitz makes creating these moments seem easy. 

On the second song, “Fuckin Wit,” Blitz begins the song by singing, “who you fuckin wit,” over a trap beat that will be sure to have you bobbing your head and shaking your hips. It’s an instantly accessible melody, perfect for getting rowdy with your friends. On “Holla Later,” there’s a moment about 30 seconds into the song where everything drops and comes back in just a little bit louder than it did before. It’s moves like these that make Aries a truly enjoyable listen from start to finish.

Likewise, Blitz imbues his songs with an effortless, poetic lyrical flow. And he changes up the speed of his raps all in service of the song. Verses of mind-bogglingly fast rhymes give way to repetitive hooks that serve as a breather before Blitz once again descends into those rapid-fire lines. He’s also a great writer. Songs like “Intoxicating” really display his ability to combine the lighthearted alongside the serious. The hook of the song is, “I can’t break free, and you can’t break loose.”

In the verses, Blitz talks about the combination of partying while never losing sight of your goals. He sings, “No time, I’m wasting / Workaholic, I’m wasted / Every night, shit-faced / and I’m on track, train station / Hard work, dedication / Stick and move, concentration / shift, vroom, acceleration / feel that, that’s motivation / isolation / isolation.” Blitz is talking about the struggle of chasing your dreams, and the isolation that can come from achieving your goals. 

The production on this album is also astounding. Pan-flutes, synth pads, and all sorts of other textures move in and out without ever interrupting the song. The mixes are tight, with nothing feeling out of place. But, Blitz also manages to accentuate the essentials. The highlights of each of these songs are the booming kicks, hi-hats, and Blitz's vocals.

This really feels like a celebration to hip-hop’s bare necessities: rhythm and flow. I know that parties have been hard to come by this year. But, I can guarantee you that no party playlist in 2021 will be complete without at least a few songs from Aries. Hell, the album is only 21 minutes long. Just throw the whole thing on your hype-up playlist, and call it a day. 

For starters, were you a part of any other musical projects before you started releasing solo music? How long have you been releasing music?

Yeah -- Before I released the solo projects in 2020, I did group projects. The first album project I ever put together was in high school with a close friend. It was titled “The Project” by Bo Blitz & DC. From there, I continued to create music. I linked up with my brother and some college buddies to form the group known as the “ Mic Monsters”. The Mic Monsters led to “Amillion Ways”, the name of the group my brother and I made music under before the Bo Blitz solo projects.

2020 is the first year I have officially released music with a strong brand behind my music. In 2015, I attempted to release songs on platforms, but without proper marketing and promotion, those releases went unnoticed. Now, I have a better understanding and clarity of how to make a release more effective, so it has a better chance of being successful. I would count this as my first year releasing music as a branded artist.

What’s the origin behind the name Bo "Blitz", and have you gone by any other stage names in the past?

Bo was always my childhood nickname. The name Blitz came from my brother when I was about 14. He told me the way I attacked the microphone with aggressive rapid fire flows was like a blitz of lyrics. From then on, I’ve only ever gone by Bo Blitz.

What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?

The main theme behind the album Aries is confidence. True confidence can be tricky to obtain because there are so many material things that can falsify a sense of security. Each of these songs refers to my own personal take on the Hip Hop lifestyle. Self expression is the most current theme throughout the album. In every song, I feel like I express myself so thoroughly to the point where the listeners can empathize or feel as if they are having the same exact experience. Topics on the album cover a variety of concepts, but together they have familiar relatable references that Hip Hop fans are accustomed to.

I think it’s important for artists and music to evolve and recreate over and over again. Topics come and go like the 24-hour news cycle, so there will always be variety in that sense. Themes are a bit more long lasting. I don’t think love songs will ever go out of style, the same way I don’t think party songs will ever go out of style. The approach an artist takes is what needs to constantly evolve, so that we get to continue to see unique and organic development.

What artists are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?

I’ve actually been more inspired and motivated by producers from the past few year. DJ Mustard and Hit Boy are two producers that make great records with veteran and new artists. I’ve liked a lot of their productions and have seen amazing quality in their work. There are quite a few artists that I like and listen to often, but not as much when I'm working on a project. It can sometimes affect the way I craft my own sound. It’s easy to like an artist, see their success, and start to model your music after theirs in hopes of achieving the same goals. I want to be able to appreciate their music and create something of my own for others to appreciate in the same way.

Was there a particular artist or concert that inspired you to start your music career?

I can remember listening to my older brothers rap when I was a kid and being really impressed. Listening to them freestyle was always the best because it taught me to be sharp, clever, and witty. Being from the West Coast, one of the most influential artists of my youth was Tupac Shakur. Everything about his music was a reflection of the beauty and ugliness in which we lived. If I had to make a Mount Rushmore for Hip Hop, he would be on it.

What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …

Typically, I’ll rehearse my set a few hours before I go on. I like to be calm and relaxed before I perform. Most likely, I’ll have a shot of liquor to help me focus and get in my zone. I perform best when I can clear my head and focus on the moment. Just before going on stage, I let all the energy I’ve been keeping calm inside me rise to the surface and erupt. At this point, I’m fully engaged and locked in to what I’m about to do.

What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Biggest highlight as an artist so far? That’s hard to say. I feel like my career has just now started with the verified release of my previous projects. I have great memories from music competitions, open mics performances, and opening shows for local Bay Area artists. The highlights of me doing music at this point has been getting to work with like-minded people I find extraordinary in one way or another.

If you could tour with any artists, past or present, who would they be and why?

There are several artists past and present I would like to tour with for different reasons. One artist who really stands out in my mind from the early 2000’s is Nelly. His music was highly entertaining. He had a commanding stage presence when he performed, and he had a strong Hip Hop fan base of support. Jay-Z would be another artist I'd tour with. His lyrics and story telling ability has drawn fans by the millions and kept their attention for decades. The crowd he packs into a venue would be sure to hang onto every word rapped, making it ideal for the artist who loves to create songs for fans who appreciate incredible lyrics. There are other artists as well, but these two are quality examples.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you to all my fans and supporters who have had my back and helped me get to the place I am today. I am honored and humbled by the support and encouragement I received from the hip-hop community. Special thanks to my management team at Lionheart and a special thanks to Kill The Music for conducting this interview. Much respect.

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